What we're about

Do you love traveling to new destinations? Do you enjoy trying new things? Then welcome to "Wanderlust!" also known as "The Albany Travel, Culture & Adventure Club". We are the largest, most active group of travel lovers in the Capital Region.

Join us as we explore the beauty of the Capital Region and the world around us by attending cultural festivals, lectures & movies, taking day trips, dining at ethnic restaurants... and lots more. Basically we will do anything we can come up with to feed the wanderlust in our souls, open our minds and experience new things!

Membership is free, and this is not a singles-only group. We are a diverse group, open to all ages... singles, couples and friends... including those who are well-traveled and those who aren't well-traveled but want to travel more, or just wish to learn about other cultures. We welcome anyone who dreams of far away places and is looking for folks with a similar mindset!

In addition to traveling and attending cultural events, Wanderlust regularly organizes and participates in fundraising events for those in need both locally, and in other areas of the world. These are some of our best events, as they bring together people with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to develop a deeper understanding of each other and form real connections by working on a common concern or issue. In the process of working together toward a common goal, we can also benefit from learning about, understanding, and celebrating our unique contributions, differences and similarities.

This group is run by volunteers and we are always looking for new assistant organizers to plan events. If you're interested in organizing an event yourself, or just have an idea for an event, please let us know. Thanks! - Liz

Upcoming events (5+)

JAPAN: Kyoto & Tokyo with Bullet Train
- September 9 - 15, 2019
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1244) to book your spot.
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We will be joining Meetup members from all over on an exciting group tour to Japan!
Explore beautiful Kyoto, travel to Tokyo via Japan’s ultra-highspeed bullet train, and visit cosmopolitan Tokyo. This group trip is a fantastic way to see the beauty of Japan with a group of fun, like-minded adventurers.
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1244) to book your spot.
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Pricing and Booking:
STARTING PRICE: $1,999 (airfare additional)
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1244) to book your spot.
NOTE: a meetup RSVP does NOT reserve your space. For prices, details and to book your space on this tour, please CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1244).
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PLEASE NOTE: These small group trips are open for anyone to join. You can sign up as a solo traveler (roommate matching is free - or you can get your own room) OR join with a spouse, friends or other family members. All are welcome!
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GET THE SCOOP! Want to see what other Meetup members are saying? Then check out the GEC Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php).
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Included in the awesome adventure:
* 3-4 star hotels
* Day tour of Tokyo
* Tokyo Bay Cruise
* Walking tour of Kyoto
* Evening walking tour of Gion Kyoto
* High-speed bullet train Tokyo to Kyoto
* Guided tours as mentioned in itinerary with expert English speaking local guides
* GEC English speaking Trip Leader
* Excellent mid-range hotels
* Breakfast daily
* Entrance fees to all sites as indicated in the itinerary
* All transfers and tours as indicated in modern air-conditioned vehicles
Need help finding airfare? Just email me or give me a call at[masked]
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1244) to book your spot.
Places Visited: Japan Group Tour, Tokyo, Kyoto, Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, Nara, Gion
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The GEC (http://www.gectravel.com/) is a group of fun-loving Meetup travelers looking for other like-minded people to travel the world with. The travel club started over 10 years ago with just a handful of meetup members and has grown into one of the largest travel groups in the country.
Check out the GEC’s Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php) to see what other Meetup members are saying about these trips.
Of course, if you have any questions you can always contact me or one of the other organizers through meetup message or via phone at (617)[masked]
Make Friends. Travel the World.

CROATIA: Group Tour (October 6 – 12, 2019)
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1243) to book your spot.
DEPARTURE DATE:
-- October 6, 2019
Join members from all over on this exciting GEC small group tour to the up and coming country of Croatia. Discover the stunning Dalmatian Coast and the historic towns of Dubrovnik and Stone, and a day of island hopping to the Elaphite Islands. We also have optional day tours to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kotor Bay in the country of Montenegro, the ancient and beautiful town of Mostar in Bosnia, and to the island communities of Korcula & Peljesac including Wine Tasting.
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Pricing and Booking:
BASE PRICE: $1,899 (airfare additional)
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1243) to book your spot.
NOTE: a meetup RSVP does NOT reserve your space. For prices, details and to book your space on this tour, please CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1243).
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***Note: immediately After this trip, when not join the Prague, Vienna & Budapest group trip. Details at: http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1230
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PLEASE NOTE: trips are typically 10 - 12 +/- people and they tend to sell out 1 - 3 months before departure, so be sure to book your space before they sell out! These small group trips are open for anyone to join. You can sign up as a solo traveler (roommate matching is free - or you can get your own room) OR join with a spouse, friends or other family members. All are welcome!
GET THE SCOOP! Want to see what other Meetup members are saying? Then check out the GEC Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php).
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Included in the awesome adventure:
* Expert English speaking local experts for select tours
* GEC Trip Ambassador
* Small group tour of Croatia
* Walking Tour of Dubrovnik (with Game of Thrones Highlights)
* Island Hopping Day Tour to the Elaphite Islands
* Breakfast daily
* 6 nights lodging in excellent mid-range hotels
* Optional: Full day excursion to Mostar & Kravice Falls in Bosnia
* Optional: Full Day Tour to Montenegro
* Optional: Full Day Tour to Korcula & Peljesac with Wine Tasting
Need help booking your airfare? Just email me or give me a call at[masked]
For prices, details and to book your space on this tour, please CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1243)
>Places Visited: Group Tour of Croatia, Dubrovnik, Elaphite Islands, Optional group tour to Montenegro, Optional group tour of Mostar & Kravice Falls in Bosnia, Optional Korcula and Peljesac including Wine Tasting
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The GEC (http://www.gectravel.com/) is a group of fun-loving Meetup travelers looking for other like-minded people to travel the world with. The travel club started over 10 years ago with just a handful of meetup members and has grown into one of the largest travel groups in the country.
Check out the GEC’s Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php) to see what other Meetup are saying about these trips.
Of course, if you have any questions you can always contact me or one of the other organizers through meetup message or via phone at (617)[masked]
Make Friends. Travel the World.

TIBET (with Mt. Everest Base Camp): 13 Day Classic Overland Group Tour Through the Himalaya
October 6 - 18, 2019*
*** Book by April 30, 2019 and receive a $500 early booking discount ***
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1194) to book your spot.
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The group will travel October 6 - 18, 2019.
Join other like-minded members and travel overland deep into the majestic and awe inspiring Himalaya Mountains, including a night at Mt. Everest Base Camp in Tibet, on this exciting group tour to Tibet and Nepal.
Join the group as we explore ancient 1,000+ year old Buddhist monasteries, visit friendly Tibetan villages that rarely see tourist, take in breathtaking scenery in the Himalaya Mountains, spend a night in a Monastery Guesthouse Hotel near the foot of Mt Everest, and explore the exotic and vibrant cities of Kathmandu, Nepal & Lhasa, Tibet... all in one awesome group tour.
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Pricing and Booking:
STARTING PRICE: $3,899 OR $3,399 with the $500 early booking discount through April 20, 2019 (airfare additional)
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1194) to book your spot.
NOTE: a meetup RSVP does NOT reserve your space. For prices, details and to book your space on this tour, please CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1194).
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***Note: immediately After this trip, why not join the group tour to Bhutan, the last Shangri-La. Details at: http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1213
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PLEASE NOTE: These small group trips are open for anyone to join. You can sign up as a solo traveler (roommate matching is free - or you can get your own room) OR join with a spouse, friends or other family members. All are welcome!
GET THE SCOOP! Want to see what other Meetup members are saying? Then check out the GEC Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php).
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Included in this awesome adventure:
* Expert English speaking guides
* Travel overland through the mighty Himalayan Mountain range with a local guide and driver
* Fully guided tour of Tibet with English speaking Tibetan Guide
* Overnight at Mt. Everest Base Camp in Tibet in a Monastery Guesthouse
* Excursion to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Tibet (light hike or ride in group vehicle to base camp)
* Scenic flight over the Himalaya with possible views of Mt. Everest
* Visits to numerous active Tibetan monasteries that date back 1,000+ years
* A chance to explore the exotic city of Kathmandu, Nepal
* Spectacular views of mother nature at her best and of an ancient civilization that has changed little over the past 1,000+ years
* Accommodation on a twin share basis
* Breakfast daily
Need help booking your airfare? Just email me or give me a call at[masked]
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1194) to book your spot.
>Places Visited: Group Trip to Tibet, Lhasa, Tibet, Mt. Everest Base Camp, Kathmandu, Nepal, Himalayan Mountains
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The GEC (http://www.gectravel.com/) is a group of fun-loving Meetup travelers looking for other like-minded people to travel the world with. The travel club started over 10 years ago with just a handful of meetup members and has grown into one of the largest travel groups in the country.
Check out the GEC’s Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php) to see what other Meetup members are saying about these trips.
Of course, if you have any questions you can always contact me or one of the other organizers through meetup message or via phone at (617)[masked]
Make Friends. Travel the World.

BHUTAN: A Group Journey to the Last Shangri-La
The group will travel October 18 - 27, 2019
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1213) to book your spot.
Ranked as the “Happiest Country on Earth” the secluded kingdom of Bhutan is regarded by many as the last Shangri-La. Bhutan just recently opened its doors to tourism and allows only a handful of foreign tourists to enter the country per year. Be one of the select few to have the rare privilege to see and experience Bhutan, the last Shangri La, on this exciting 10 Day Group Journey to Bhutan!
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Pricing and Booking:
STARTING PRICE: $2,499 (airfare additional)
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1213) to book your spot.
NOTE: a meetup RSVP does NOT reserve your space. For prices, details and to book your space on this tour, please CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1213).
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PLEASE NOTE: Bhutan travel permits are issued on a first come basis and are VERY limited. Once they are sold out, this trip will close. Please book your space early to avoid permits selling out! These small group trips are open for anyone to join. You can sign up as a solo traveler (roommate matching is free - or you can get your own room) OR join with a spouse, friends or other family members. All are welcome!
GET THE SCOOP! Want to see what other Meetup members are saying? Then check out the GEC Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php).
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Included in the awesome adventure:
* Small group tour to Bhutan
* 9 nights in mid-range hotels
* Local English speaking guides in Nepal and Bhutan
* Group Orientation Meeting & Welcome Dinner
* Private transportation in Nepal and Bhutan as per itinerary
* Bhutan Museum & Monuments fees
* Bottled water on tour in Bhutan
* Bhutan Visa fee
* Airport transfer for KTM-Paro flights
* All meals in Bhutan
* Breakfast in Kathmandu
Need help booking your airfare? Just email me or give me a call at[masked]
CLICK HERE (http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1213) to book your spot.
>>Places Visited: Group tour to Bhutan and Nepal, Group tour of Bhutan, Kathmandu, Nepal, Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdiphodrang, Bhutan National Museum
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***Note: immediately Before this trip, when not join the group trip to Tibet. Details at: http://www.gectravel.com/details.php?record=1194
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The GEC (http://www.gectravel.com/) is a group of fun-loving Meetup travelers looking for other like-minded people to travel the world with. The travel club started over 10 years ago with just a handful of meetup members and has grown into one of the largest travel groups in the country.
Check out the GEC’s Testimonial Page (http://www.gectravel.com/testimonials.php) to see what other Meetup members are saying about these trips.
Of course, if you have any questions you can always contact me or one of the other organizers through meetup message or via phone at (617)[masked]
Make Friends. Travel the World.